Russia Ratifies Military Assistance Treaty with North Korea

Moscow: Russia's parliament has ratified a bilateral treaty with North Korea that mandates mutual military support in the event of an armed attack, as reported by Russian media. The decision comes as geopolitical tensions escalate, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Yonhap News Agency, the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, approved the treaty during a plenary session. This development follows the pact's signing at a June summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The treaty, described as a "comprehensive strategic partnership," includes a provision for immediate military support by either state if the other is attacked. The ratification occurs amid rising tensions, with South Korea and the United States confirming that North Korea is deploying troops to support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This move has heightened concern among international observers about the potential for further regional destabil ization.